Carlo Russo II

Governator declares California Wine Month - Carlo Russo Delivers

None other than the Governator himself has declared September California Wine Month. It’s a great incentive to rediscover the bounty that is California wine, and we’ve worked with our friends at Carlo Russo's Wine & Spirit World to unearth some real gems to help highlight the breadth and depth that California wine presents today.

The simple truth is that California has moved beyond the staples, though they still do them well. Myriad producers have branched out and begun to experiment with regional specialties. First came the Rhone Rangers with their focus on Syrah and then Grenache. Then came a resurgence of Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera, and most recently a focus on Spanish and Portuguese grapes. We've found three producers to help illustrate these new movements , as well as some of the classic California styles we all love.

Carlo Russo's Wine & Spirit World offers a great 15% mixed case discount on all of their regularly priced wines, but as an added inducement for Snooth's members, they will be offering Free Ground Shipping on all purchases of 6 bottles or more (of anything in stock) for one week, good thru September 29th. Just enter shipping promotion code WSWFREE when you check out and get a great selection of wines delivered at no cost to you. A great deal on a great selection!

Vina Robles Brings a Spanish flare to Paso Robles

Vina Robles has been adding a little Olé to Paso Robles since 1996. Though they produce some classic wine, like their 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15.99) their forte has been the rich, muscular reds that Paso is famous for.2007 Vina Robles Red 4 14.5%Big and intensely fruity with wild blueberry and plummy fruit balanced with very finely managed tannin giving this an almost silky feel. Touches of coffee, butterscotch and cocoa add complexity to the black cherry fruit on the mid-palate. Finishes with surprising freshness and a nice lingering mineral/toast note with a final flourish of violets.

Thomas Fogarty: Taking Advantage of the Santa Cruz Mountains

The cool slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains offer the perfect climate for producing elegant, expressive wines that defy many of the stereotypes that plague California wines. Thomas Fogarty not only produces a classic Meritage, the 2002 Skyline Red ($14.99) but also a compelling 2004 Gewurtztraminier ($14.99) that must be tried.

2004 Thomas Fogarty Rapley Trail Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir 14.4%This is big and soft, with nice acidity and resolved tannins supporting lightly candied strawberry and cherry fruit. With wonderful elegance, and some very well integrated background notes of oak and earth to a nice cherry toned mid-palate this is a great wine on it's own but would be even better at the table. Grilled Salmon anyone?

Avanti with Palmina in Santa Barbara

Palmina has led the way with Italian varietals in Santa Barbara, producing a broad array of wonderfully detailed and expressive wines that are modeled after their Italian cousins. Their crisp, fresh 2007 Pinot Grgio ($14.99) is a wonderful introduction to their house style.

2006 Palmina Barbera 14.5%Bright acids right up front roll up the palate with bright cranberry and wild cherry flavors that are wonderfully pure and fresh. There is a touch of creamy oak on the midpalate but it remains unobtrusive and in a supporting role that offers a balance to the fresh herb and stem tones that bloom on the mid-palate.

We hope you take advantage of this wonderful offer from Carlo Russo's Wine & Spirit World. The selection of wines they are featuring really offers a wonderful snapshot of the state of California winemaking today, but remember, their FREE SHIPPING offer is good on any 6 bottles in stock. Don't be limited by what you see. Visit Carlo Russo's Wine & Spirit World and explore all they have to offer. Don't forget to get your free shipping on all purchases of 6 bottles or more by entering shipping promotion code WSWFREE when you checkout. This offer is only good thru September 29th